Five vehicles – 14 awards: Mercedes-Benz and smart come up trumps in the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2011 in Berlin

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, May 24, 2011 – Daimler AG faced up to the international competition in the eleventh Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2011 with five vehicles. At what is one of the most important events in the world in the field of sustainable mobility, the company was able to reemphasise its pioneering role in the development of trendsetting vehicle concepts, winning a total of 14 awards: across all vehicle categories, electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and smart presented a convincing argument in terms of environmental compatibility, handling and sheer driving enjoyment.

The everyday viability of vehicles featuring a range of different drive concepts was put to the test in three rallies. The focus here was on the criteria of acceleration, braking distance and noise level, as well as on handling, local emissions, CO2 emissions (well-to-wheel) and fuel efficiency. On the course for battery-electric vehicles, the A-Class E‑CELL put in a convincing performance in several disciplines. In the category "Production vehicles and prototypes" it was awarded prizes for the best acceleration and handling as well as for the best well-to-wheel and local CO2 emissions.

Similarly successful, this time in the 300 kilometre-long Inter-City rally, were the two B-Class F-CELL vehicles participating in the category "Production vehicles with electric drive". The two vehicles joining the rally were able to celebrate a joint victory in the classifications for handling, well-to-wheel CO2 emissions and local CO2 emissions. The smart fortwo electric drive also scored in the category "urban cars" for the best braking distance, best well-to-wheel CO2 emissions and the best local CO2 emissions. On top of all this, the Vito E-CELL was singled out to receive a design prize.

With 70 exhibitors and some 200 vehicles, this year's Michelin Challenge Bibendum, held from 18 to 22 May in Berlin, once again provided an insight into the progress being made in the development of sustainable mobility. During the traditional vehicle parade in front of the Brandenburg Gate, the A-Class E-CELL, the B‑Class F-CELL, the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the Vito E-CELL and the smart electric drive from Daimler AG were also joined by the Atego BlueTec Hybrid, the Fuso Canter E-CELL and a replica of the Benz Patent Motor Car.

The awards, at a glance

- Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL: a total of six awards: 1st and 2nd places for handling, plus prizes in the categories of local emissions and well-to-wheel CO2 emissions- Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL: a total of four awards in the categories of acceleration, handling, local emissions and well-to-wheel CO2 emissions- smart fortwo electric drive: a total of three awards: 1st prize for the best braking distance, plus prizes for local emissions and well-to-wheel CO2 emissions- Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL: awarded a design prize